An aerial view of the Tanger 1 Outlet Center in Bluffton shows off the construction phase of the "green" shopping plaza.

Tanger illustrates economy of sustainable development, engineer says.

Redevelopment of the Tanger Hilton Head Outlet Center 1 is a case study in the economy of green building practices, according to the project manager.

In addition to a more environmentally friendly result, building cost savings were realized through design efficiency, material reuse and reduced transportation, said Jon Rembold of Ward Edwards Engineering.

"A huge quantity of material was recycled on site," Rembold told about 40 architects, engineers, contractors and other professionals Tuesday at a meeting of the U.S. Green Building Council - Lowcountry Chapter.

For example, 10,600 tons of concrete were recycled on site, he said.

"We didn't have to bring in trucks to haul it away to the landfill, so that saved on transportation and fuel costs," Rembold said.

"And the reuse of concrete that was already there instead of hauling in rock from Columbia saved at least $250,000, probably closer to $400,000," he said.

Likewise, 4,262 tons of building material, 167 tons of metal and 96 tons of landscape material that were recycled on site didn't have to be hauled away and contributed to the new development.

"The old site had a single outfall into the wetlands at Victoria Bluff. That's just how they did it back then," he said. "Now there are three outfalls, all different designs, and there is less runoff than if it was a natural area."

Steven B. Tanger, the company president and CEO, "was very open-minded" about green building and "volunteered to go LEED," Rembold said.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the internationally-recognized standard - awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council - for projects that incorporate elements of high environmental performance.

The redeveloped center was honored with a Green Building Award by the Carolina Recycling Association during its annual conference and trade show last month in Charleston.

"There's been a lot of research done lately for our climate… experts now say you want to keep hot, humid air out of the house," Frederick said. Mechanical devices and HVAC systems can remove moisture from enclosed spaces, she said.

ABOUT THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools and neighborhoods.

USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education.

Its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system is a voluntary, consensus-based national system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: Sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.